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Train To Gain - Five Top Tips For Aspiring Electricians

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Published: Tuesday, 31 October 2017 13:26

For budding electricians, there is a whole raft of information to get to grips with as they develop towards qualification and full-time work. Here, Emma Segelov, head of marketing at MK Electric, discusses five key considerations to bear in mind.

New ways of workingAlthough BIM Level 2 may currently only be a legislative requirement for public projects, it is likely to become a must-have for private contracts in the years to come.

BIM is a process that removes waste and optimises construction via design and specification collaboration in a virtual environment. It offers benefits to every member of the supply chain, and for young electricians entering the industry, it’s well worth getting to grips with this technology in order to add value to an employer or a personal business.

Changing demandsAs lifestyles change, so too do the needs of customers, so it’s important to take stock of the latest products which cater to modern living. For example, as smart devices become an increasingly central part of day to day life, there is a rising need for USB charging outlets such as sockets which incorporate USB ports – and manufacturers such as MK Electric are able to provide these through an ever-evolving portfolio which responds to end user demand.

Check, check, checkFrom a practical perspective, there is nothing more fundamental than getting into the habit of doing final checks. The career of an electrician is built upon reputation, and meticulous attention to detail is integral to this. Whether it is double-checking a connection or ensuring each screw is tightened, it’s vital to make sure that every last detail has been seen to before leaving a job.

Legislative updatesAs a working electrician, there is a responsibility to be conversant with Building Regulations, such as Part P, Part M and Part L, as well as new legislation and updates to existing regulations. The third amendment to the 17th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations had a far-reaching effect on the industry, and an impact on which products should be specified. Whilst Amendment 3:2015 has now been adopted across the board, the publication of the 18th Edition is on the horizon for July 2018, which means there will potentially be a fresh set of changes to take into account. Manufacturers, distributors, and trade bodies will likely release helpful guidance on this, and by keeping abreast of industry news, newly qualified electricians can make sure they stay up to date.

Quality countsEach individual project reflects on the electrician, and whilst it certainly isn’t the case that a workman is only as good as his tools, choosing the right products can definitely help. With innumerable brands to choose from, it’s crucial to know how to spot a reputable manufacturer. For example, look at how long a company has been established, and how well known they are within the industry. Another good indicator is how confident a brand is in its own products – at MK Electric, our product guarantees run up to 20 years, because we believe in the quality and reliability of what we produce, and this offers peace of mind to both the electrician and end user.